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Material Science Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Product Design FEA Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

Description As the cornerstone between material science and mechanical engineering, you will design experiments to characterize materials, advance mathematical descriptions and simulation workflows ...

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All JobsMaterial Science Engineer JobsMaterial Science Engineer Jobs in California

Material Science Engineer information

See California salary details

$37.5K

$99.4K

$155.9K

How much do material science engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for material science engineer in California is $99,419.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Material Science Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Material Science Engineer, you need a solid background in materials engineering, chemistry, and physics, usually supported by a degree in materials science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory analysis tools, materials characterization instruments (like SEM, XRD), and simulation software (such as MATLAB or ANSYS) is commonly required. Problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective collaboration are crucial soft skills for innovating and working on multidisciplinary projects. These competencies ensure the development of advanced materials and solutions that meet industry standards and drive technological progress.

What is the difference between Material Science Engineer vs Materials Engineer?

AspectMaterial Science EngineerMaterials Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Engineering, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D departmentsManufacturing plants, R&D labs, quality control
Industry UsageResearch, development, testing of new materialsMaterial selection, processing, and quality assurance

Both roles focus on materials, but Material Science Engineers primarily engage in research and development of new materials, while Materials Engineers often work on applying and processing materials in manufacturing. The roles overlap in credentials and work environments, but their core responsibilities differ slightly.

What are the most common challenges Material Science Engineers face when working on cross-functional project teams?

Material Science Engineers often collaborate with professionals from mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing disciplines, which can present challenges in aligning technical requirements and timelines. Communication gaps may arise due to differences in technical language or priorities, making it essential to clearly convey material properties and limitations. Successfully navigating these challenges typically involves proactive collaboration, flexibility, and a willingness to learn about related fields to ensure project goals are met and innovative solutions are developed.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-demand industries or leadership roles.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions typically require advanced degrees, certifications, and expertise in high-demand areas or management responsibilities.

What is the highest salary for a material engineer?

The highest salaries for materials science engineers can exceed $130,000 annually, especially for those with extensive experience, advanced degrees, or working in specialized industries such as aerospace or semiconductor manufacturing. Senior engineers with leadership roles or specialized skills in materials characterization and testing tend to earn the top salaries.

What are Material Science Engineers?

Material Science Engineers are professionals who study, develop, and test materials used to create a wide range of products, from electronics to medical devices to construction materials. They apply principles of chemistry, physics, and engineering to understand how materials behave and how they can be improved or adapted for specific uses. Their work often involves researching new materials, analyzing their properties, and collaborating with other engineers or scientists to solve complex problems. Material Science Engineers play a crucial role in advancing technology and making products safer, stronger, and more efficient.

What do material science engineers do?

Material science engineers research and develop new materials and improve existing ones for various applications, such as electronics, aerospace, and healthcare. They analyze material properties, use tools like microscopes and testing equipment, and often work in laboratories or manufacturing environments to ensure materials meet performance and safety standards.
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What cities in California are hiring for Material Science Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Material Science Engineer job openings:
Material Science Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Material Science Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,419 per year, or $47.8 per hour.
Senior Strategic Alliance Manager, AI for Chemistry and Material Science - HER

Senior Strategic Alliance Manager, AI for Chemistry and Material Science - HER

Nvidia

Santa Clara, CA

$133K - $183K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

At NVIDIA, we believe AI will transform how new chemicals and materials are discovered. We're looking for passionate technologists with a university or applied research background in AI for computational chemistry to engage the academic and research community.

You will be responsible for encouraging NVIDIA platform adoption at leading universities and research labs engaged in groundbreaking research in Generative AI, model architectures, and Agentic AI workflows in the field of chemistry and material science. You'll define and deliver strategic partnerships, lead fruitful technical collaborations, and advise NVIDIA's product organization as a representative of developers in the higher education and research ecosystem.

What you'll be doing:

  • Identify top researchers and labs within academic and scientific research institutions specializing in AI applied to Chemistry and Material Science.

  • Lead strategic relationships with opinion leaders and researchers.

  • Define NVIDIA's strategy for engaging developers in university and research environments by working with cross functional teams: Product, Engineering, Marketing, Applied Research, etc.

  • Evangelize and directly engage target collaborators on building teaching kits

  • Host developer and customer evangelism events: meetups, hackathons, lectures.

  • Speak at relevant scientific, technical and industry conferences.

What We Need To See:

  • PhD in computational chemistry, materials science, computer science, or a related field; or equivalent experience.

  • 6+ years of experience in one or more of higher education for machine learning interatomic potentials, generative modeling, and quantum chemistry workflows,

  • Demonstrated knowledge of the research ecosystem landscape related to AI applications in chemical and materials research

  • Outstanding communication abilities with proven experience in conveying a value proposition to both technical and non-technical audiences

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

  • High-impact publications in artificial intelligence applications for chemistry, molecular modeling, or materials discovery.

  • Experience with CUDA, parallel programming, or performance-focused software development.

  • Contributions to open-source software for simulation, chemistry, or materials science.

  • Experience managing technical and business alliances across multiple partner groups and the peer team(s)

NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world's most desirable employers. We have some of the most experienced and hardworking people in the world working for us. If you're creative and autonomous, we want to hear from you!

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 184,000 USD - 287,500 USD for Level 4, and 224,000 USD - 356,500 USD for Level 5.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until April 27, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Nvidia logo

About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993

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